On the Great Bear Rainforest Spring Explorer trip, recognized as one of the “50 Tours of a Lifetime” by National Geographic Traveler, guests enjoy the pristine landscape and the incredible wildlife aboard the SV Maple Leaf, while accompanied by an expert sailing crew, gourmet chef, and experienced naturalist. The Great Bear Rainforest has been described as “the last stand of the great North American rainforest” by Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. As guests sail down the coast’s longest fjord, the Gardner Canal, to reach the Kitlope river valley, many liken it to what it would be like to sail through Yosemite.

“Maple Leaf Adventures pioneered eco-tourism along the coast and in the Great Bear Rainforest more than 20 years ago, and we have built our business on authentic experiences on BC’s wild, remote, West Coast,” says Maureen Gordon, co-owner of Maple Leaf Adventures. “We love being able to offer guests the opportunity to intimately experience the beauty, history and adventure throughout the planet’s largest intact temperate rainforest.”

The Great Bear Rainforest Spring Explorer trip departs from Bella Bella, BC on April 27, 2012, returning to Kitimat, BC on May 5, 2012. Cost per guest is $4,180.00 Cdn and includes all shore excursions, meals, accommodation and use of onboard equipment. The departure and return points are easily accessed from Vancouver, BC. For more information and reservations, visit www.MapleLeafAdventures.com or call 1-888-599-5323.

Those with more time to spare may opt for the Maple Leaf Adventures’ Coastal Supervoyage, an epic journey that sails guests along the BC coast from south to north, from dry rainforest and Salish Sea islands to the fjords and waterfalls of the Great Bear Rainforest. It departs April 18, 2012 from Sidney, BC on Vancouver Island. The 19-day, 18-night journey is $7,130.00 Cdn per person.

Although early spring is often considered off-season for travel, the Great Bear Rainforest erupts with new life and wildlife viewing opportunities during this period. The area is home to both grizzly and black bears, as well as whales and wolves. Newly-awakened bears walk the beaches and meadows at water’s edge in spring to graze on tender new sedges or shore crabs. Above the green meadows, the Coast Mountains rise to snow-capped peaks. Maple Leaf’s expert guides take guests ashore for rainforest and wildlife walks.

A particular trip highlight is the natural, out-of-the-way hot springs that bubble up along the Great Bear Rainforest. Anchoring in a cove or bay, guests can go ashore and sink into the rejuvenating warm waters. A far cry from commercial hot springs, natural pools at the water’s edge lie in a tranquil haven surrounded by the untouched wilderness.

At the end of each day, guests can relax on the ship’s main deck watching the scenery pass by or in the ship’s library with a cup of tea before enjoying a gourmet meal and glass of wine with newfound friends. Guests also have the comforts of home with three bathrooms (each with hot showers) and large, comfortable beds complete with cozy duvets.

About Maple Leaf Adventures
Maple Leaf Adventures has provided conservation travel experiences aboard a classic sailing ship since 1986. With a reputation as one of Canada’s top sustainable tour operators, its multi-day excursions give guests one-of-a-kind experiences in some of the most beautiful and rare places in the world, often in areas that were once under threat of destruction or in dire need of protection. As a long time practitioner of ecotourism, Maple Leaf Adventures pioneered travel in BC’s Great Bear Rainforest and northwestern Vancouver Island and has made significant contributions to conservation. National Geographic Adventure has rated Maple Leaf one of the “Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth”. For more information, visit www.MapleLeafAdventures.com .